[zacmate6188]

so the other day i went through a creek crossing thinking it was shallow it was deeper then expected and once i came out my car would seem to idle without the lights on
its like if the alternator wasnt getting kicked in it wont idle

[fordem]

The sierra carb has an "idle-up" that is activated by three or four different electrical loads - lights & blower fan are two that come to mind - how it works is that a VSV is activated when the loads are switched on and that moves the throttle stop and opens the throttle plate more.

What you have is a carb issue that won't let the engine idle unless the throttle is open.